At 27, Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov remains fully committed to improving and establishing himself for the long haul. In an interview with Le Parisien, the Russian shot-stopper discusses his integration, his daily routine, the influence of Luis Enrique, and the obsession with detail that drives his development.
Safonov: “Paris is inseparable from the Arc de Triomphe”
“My favorite monument is the Arc de Triomphe. I first caught sight of it the day I signed my contract. I was in the back of a van, eyes glued to my phone, and when I looked up, there it was. It was simply magnificent. I was immediately struck by its grandeur and majesty.
Since that day, for me, Paris has been inseparable from the Arc de Triomphe. I don’t live far away, and it has become a reassuring landmark. In the spring, I love going to the top. The view looking down over the city—with the trees and avenues stretching out in straight lines in every direction—is incredible. To me, it’s the most beautiful spot in Paris.”
Two years after his arrival, Safonov no longer views Paris merely as a professional stepping stone. The Russian goalkeeper has established a routine in the capital and now seems fully settled in his new environment. This personal integration goes hand in hand with his development at PSG.
Safonov: “Learning French has become my main hobby”
“Learning French has become my main hobby, and I’m continuing to perfect my English at the same time. During my last vacation, I packed in plenty of activities and lessons. Foreign languages make things so much easier. I often message my teachers to schedule a lesson on short notice, depending on my availability.
As for my goal of becoming completely bilingual? I think it’s impossible to speak a foreign language to perfection.” “For me, the biggest difficulty lies in distinguishing between masculine and feminine. Using ‘le’ and ‘la’ is a constant challenge because genders are often the opposite in Russian. On the other hand, the distinction between ‘un’ and ‘une’ remains a mystery. When I go to the bakery, to avoid mixing up ‘un’ or ‘une’ baguette, I simply say: ‘I’ll take two!’ It’s much easier (laughs).”
This level of commitment illustrates a desire to go well beyond the work done at the PSG Campus. Safonov seeks to improve in every area that might make his daily life and integration into the squad easier.
Safonov: “Speaking the local language is a sign of respect”
“I’ve lived here for two years, and for me, taking French lessons is a sign of respect. When a foreigner arrives in a new country, speaking the local language shows respect for the host city, as well as for Paris Saint-Germain.”
For a goalkeeper, mastering the language also offers clear sporting benefits. Safonov must constantly communicate with his defense and relay information quickly. Learning French therefore contributes both to his personal integration and to his development within the Parisian squad.
Safonov: “You have to reinvent yourself in every training session”
“I watch a lot of goalkeepers and draw inspiration from everyone. To me, the ideal goalkeeper isn’t just one person, but a combination of several. It’s impossible to name the best goalkeeper in history because football is constantly evolving: the game gets faster, forwards improve, and the rules change every year. Nothing is set in stone; you have to reinvent yourself in every training session.”
This constant quest for improvement aligns perfectly with the demands of the position at PSG. Under Luis Enrique, a goalkeeper’s role is no longer just about saving shots; his footwork, his reading of space, and his ability to participate in the initial build-up play have become crucially important. Safonov thus embraces the idea that his game must continue to evolve.
Safonov: “PSG gave me a new burst of energy”
“I’m very lucky to have crossed paths with him at that precise moment in my career. I needed it. I was starting to feel like my progress was stagnating. That was when PSG came calling, offering me a new burst of energy and fantastic prospects for growth. Luis Enrique has been a huge influence on me.”
Choosing PSG therefore marked a real turning point in the Russian’s career. Safonov doesn’t view his arrival in Paris merely as a step up in sporting terms; he highlights, above all, the chance to reignite his development, which he felt had slowed down.
Safonov: “My first season was incredibly rewarding”
“My first season was incredibly rewarding. It’s rare for a backup goalkeeper to play 17 competitive matches. It was an excellent experience. The second year was different, but just as enriching.”
Despite a status that didn’t guarantee him a starting spot, Safonov quickly earned playing time. That first season allowed him to get a feel for the demands at PSG before facing a much tougher situation the following year.
Safonov: “I put in a tremendous amount of work”
“I put in a tremendous amount of work. It was psychologically tough because the club signed a new goalkeeper, Lucas Chevalier, who started as the number one. I spent three or four months on the bench—about twenty matches. Then, the situation shifted.”
It is arguably during this period that Safonov’s mindset becomes most apparent. Relegated to the bench for several months, the goalkeeper didn’t give up. On the contrary, he emphasizes the sheer amount of work he put in before the pecking order eventually changed.
Safonov: “Without Luis Enrique, you wouldn’t have the same goalkeeper”
“The last two years have been crucial: I’ve undergone profound changes—psychologically, physically, and tactically.” “Without Luis Enrique, you wouldn’t be facing the same goalkeeper today.”
The tribute paid to Luis Enrique is particularly strong. Safonov now views his time working under the Spaniard as a decisive factor in his transformation—a progression he doesn’t limit to the pitch, as he emphasizes his mental evolution just as much as his physical and tactical growth.
Safonov: “It’s primarily a psychological battle”
“It’s primarily a psychological battle. Nowadays, with video analysis, everyone studies one another. I spend a lot of time dissecting strikers’ habits. It’s no secret—people have often seen my famous towel, where I jot down all my notes on penalty takers.”
Here, Safonov confirms just how vital preparation is to his approach to penalties. His success isn’t based solely on instinct; the Parisian seeks to gather information to best anticipate the taker’s choice.
Safonov: “For me, it’s not a chore; it’s a game”
“Do I enjoy this exercise? Very much. For me, it’s not a chore; it’s a game, and I find it fascinating. Back in Russia, I used to have fun asking strikers after the fact where they had planned to shoot. It was a sort of mental exercise I’d do with players I was close to. It’s really interesting to see if your reading of the game was correct.”
Ultimately, this curiosity sums up Safonov’s mindset quite well. Whether it involves languages, his goalkeeping, or studying penalties, he is constantly seeking to understand and improve. It is a drive that also explains why he views his two years at Paris Saint-Germain as such a pivotal period in his career.
